Page 8 of Queen of the Wicked
His powers would beveryuseful right now.
Erebos put his hands up. “I didn’t. I thoughtyoukilled her, remember? It was likely Godric.”
“And why would he kill one of his own?” she asked.
He shrugged. “I have a couple of theories, but I have no idea whatyou are. Those are things I am unwilling to share.” The lord was cautious of those red eyes, realizing everything he said sounded vague and likely suspicious.
“What do you know of my power? Is it dark magic?”Then, after a heartbeat, she added, “Do you think Godric took my mother?”
Her gaze was wide and frantic, leading Erebos to believe that she genuinely had no idea how to wield her powers, which was even more dangerous than if shedid. Who knew what she was capable of? Every second he stood there, he risked dying.
But without her, if he tried to leave or attempted to kill her, he might never get his powers back.
“Your mother being taken could very well be a possibility. As for what you displayed in the woods, your magic has nothingto do with Heaven’s powers. Not at all. I don’t know why the king wants you or why he’s so hellbent on obtaining you, but somehow, you took my powers when you killed that seraph, and I need them back. It’s imperative.”
She went deathly white. “I—what?”
“I think you took my powers,” he repeated, “and I need them back. I know a witch who lives a few miles east of here. I will help you figure out your powers if you come with me. She may be able to provide some insight.”
“No.” She rose to her feet and stepped in front of her mom’s body defensively, arms crossed over her chest. “I’m not following you into the pits of Hell, Evil One.”
“Says the one with pureblood eyes,” he shot back. “Whether you’d like to believe it or not, you’re filled with dark magic, and if you look around, I don’t think anyone else will provide you with any answers.”
She did as instructed, gulping loudly as his words sank in.
“If you’d rather stay here and risk being foundbecause I’msurethe king will be getting word of one of his best seraphims being murdered relatively soon, then by all means, be my guest. Or you can come with me, take your chances, and learn about your powers. Your choice.”
He wanted to laugh at himself for trying to reason with a mortal. If he had his powers, he would have muted her as soon as she started crying, avoiding this topic altogether, so he could just Travel them to the witch’s cottage. But for whatever reason, she was important, and he didn’t think whoever wrote that letter intended for him to kill her. They just wanted him totakeher. He’d figure out why when they returned to Hell.
“And I won’t be tortured?” she asked.
“So long as you don’t try to killme, then fine. As soon as I regain my powers, you will be free to do as you please and return to this…place.” He narrowed his eyes at the beaten-down front porch, the withered wood, the leaks in the ceiling…
“Make a blood pact,” she suggested.
Erebos raised his eyebrows to his hairline. “Excuse me?”
“A blood pact. Let me know I’ll be safe, and you’ll keep your word about figuring out more about my powers. Also, I’d like your help finding my mother.”
“How do you know about a blood pact? I thought you said you only learned about the history of Heaven?” But even history books wouldn’t explain the blood pact. He’d never shared his weakness with anyone unless necessary.
She blinked, genuinely confused, before saying, “I don’t know. I just do.”
What kind of dark magic did this girl possess? Or, even worse, was she gaining access to his memories because she had taken control of his powers?
And if she had access to his memories…
Fuck.
“Fine,” he spluttered in annoyance. He grabbed the blade tucked in the side of his boot and swiftly cut against his palm, a pact that he created with only his inner circle. They were the only ones who knew about it, until her. Once the blood swap was complete, if either of them went against their word, they’d die instantly. It was just the way dark magic worked. “Andyouwill agree not to harm me and to listen to me every step of the way until I gain my powers back. Then, I will be out of your debt, and the pact will come to an end. I don’t care if I’m powerless. If you kill me, you will be targeted within minutes.”
Well, hopefully. It might take Izara and Eryx days to find him if he were to die. He didn’t have access to his mind communication now that his powers were gone, so he wouldn’t be surprised if they’d already formed a plan and were leaving for Earth to start the search.
“I will listen to you so long as itonlypertains to obtaining your powers.”
The mortal was smarter than he thought.
“Agreed,” the lord replied.
